CQC covered up suspected rape in care home

The victim’s mother has despaired of seeking answersANDREW MCCAREN FOR THE TIMES

The suspected rape of a helpless autistic man by a high-risk sex offender was kept secret by the official body responsible for his safety, The Times can reveal.

The incident was among a cluster of sex alerts at residential homes owned by a private company that specialised in the care of young adults with learning disabilities.

All were kept hidden from the public by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates England’s 16,000 care homes and claims to be committed to openness and transparency. The case raises serious doubts about its stated mission to protect people from harm and to “hold providers to account”.

The Times has seen confidential police documents and agency reports linked to the suspected rape and other incidents at three homes…